Ciclopirox toenail lacquer is one proven way to clear up toenail fungus. It is a prescription-strength solution that must be advised by a doctor to use it. However, if you have a severe fungal infection, seeking out treatment options from your doctor can sometimes be the better choice.

In this article, we’ll cover how it works. We’ll also touch on what you can expect when you use it, as well as advantages and disadvantages. There are many treatments to consider if you have nail fungus. It’s important to feel confident that you’ve made the right choice.

How Does Ciclopirox Work?

Ciclopirox is an antifungal agent that is used to treat fungal infections of the fingernails and toenails. However, it is also used as a treatment for athlete’s foot, ringworm, and yeast infections.

It works by blocking the growth of fungus. If you’ve experienced an infection, you’ll know how quickly fungus can spread if left untreated. By applying a lacquer with ciclopirox as the main ingredient, you’ll block fungal growth, and the infection will start to weaken.

Often, podiatrists will prescribe this nail lacquer to complement to a treatment program. In this program, your doctor may want to remove infected nails that are unattached. This allows healthy, clear nails to grow back. The new nails won’t be infected by the fungus since the ciclopirox prevents consistent growth.

How to Apply Ciclopirox Nail Lacquer

When you are prescribed Ciclopirox, you should receive instructions from your doctor on how to use it safely. If you do not receive one, ask your podiatrist or pharmacist how to use it correctly. When you are applying it, there are some important things to keep in mind:

Make sure to clip your toenails before using this treatment. If you have any loose nail material that can come off quickly, gently cut or file it away. This will allow the treatment to penetrate the infected area more efficiently.

Only apply ciclopirox on the nail and the skin surrounding the nail, unless instructed otherwise by your doctor.

Use the lacquer once daily before bed.

Use the included applicator to cover the nail and surrounding skin. If possible, use the applicator underneath the nail as well.

Let the lacquer dry for thirty seconds before putting on socks/shoes.

Do not wash your toes for at least eight hours after applying the medication.

Remove the medication from the nail once every seven days. This can be done with rubbing alcohol. Clean away any loose nail material that may have come off.

Be sure to use the medication exactly as prescribed. Don’t stop using it before the designated prescription is over. Stopping too quickly may allow the fungus to regrow.

Are There Any Side Effects?

Serious side effects are rare, but here are some of the ‘possible’ allergic reactions:

Redness

Burning of skin

Shape of nail

Blistering

Swelling

Oozing

Tell your doctor of any allergies you may have before using ciclopirox. It is unknown if this product causes any side effects for women who are pregnant or nursing, so you may also wish to bring up this subject.

Ciclopirox is a powerful medication. Because it is prescribed by a doctor, the side effects may sound riskier than those of an over-the-counter topical solution. However, if your doctor prescribes it to you, they have likely decided that your condition outweighs the risks.

Additional Antifungal Nail Solutions

You shouldn’t use nail polish of any kind while using ciclopirox nail lacquer. If you have a toenail fungus and aren’t treating it at all, you should avoid using traditional nail polish altogether. Standard polish can make an infection worse by not allowing the nail and skin to breathe.

There is minimal risk in using an antifungal polish. Most use ingredients like tea tree oil and undecylenic acid to treat fungus while making your nails look better. Some of the best polishes on the market are Nu Wave nail polish, and Dr.’s Remedy enriched nail polish.

Using an antifungal polish can help to treat fungal infections while covering nails with color. It’s a great way to be discrete about nail fungus while addressing the problem.

Should I Be Using Ciclopirox Nail Lacquer?

If you’re struggling with a severe fungal infection of the toenails, it’s important to see a podiatrist. Since ciclopirox is a prescription-strength medication, it’s up to your doctor to decide if it’s best for you.

No one wants a nasty fungal infection. If you’ve tried best over-the-counter toenail fungus treatment options and nothing works, consider this nail lacquer. When used correctly, it’s powerful enough to wipe out fungus. With consistent use, it can clear away the symptoms of an infected nail. This allows you to grow a new, healthy nail that is completely free of infection.

Talk to your doctor if you need more information on how ciclopirox nail lacquer can help you.